FWST: Lack of trust? Analyzing the controversial fourth down decision in TCU’s loss to Baylor

[TopFrog]

Lack of trust? Analyzing the controversial fourth down decision in TCU’s loss to Baylor

By Steven Johnson

After TCU’s frustrating 37-34 defeat to rival Baylor, much of the conversation centered on Horned Frogs head coach Sonny Dykes’ controversial decision in the fourth quarter.

Up to that point, it was a high-level game with TCU using its passing attack and Wild Frog package with Savion Williams to pile up 27 points. On the flip side, Baylor used a perfectly balanced approach, led by running back Bryson Washington, to tie the game at 27 less than 60 seconds into the fourth quarter.

After Washington’s score, TCU advanced to the Baylor 46 and faced a 4th-and-2 with under 11 minutes remaining. Dykes elected to punt, seemingly trusting his defense to get a stop. But instead the defense allowed Baylor to march down the field and take a 34-27 lead.

Read more at: https://www.star-telegram.com/sport...niversity/article294883064.html#storylink=cpy

Also at https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/ot...-decision-in-tcu-s-loss-to-baylor/ar-AA1tqGCP

 

[TopFrog]

It was early in the 4th quarter. TCU's 4th-and-2 isn't the problem, it's Baylor's 4th-and-9 that cost us the game. Couldn't hit and tackle the QB running up the middle.

It's the defense that is the problem.

 

[Strat Frog]

Both sides of the ball are a problem. the o line isn’t great nor are the RBs.

 

[CardFrog]

I genuinely believe that we simply don't have the athletes on the D side. Forget the scheme calls without the athletes it doesn't matter. Every game this year with the exception of LIU our defense has struggled to get a critical stop when needed.

 

[TopFrog]

Both sides of the ball are a problem. the o line isn’t great nor are the RBs.

That has been somewhat fixed. At least improved where we aren't so one-dimensional on offense.

The defense has not been fixed. Looks like it won't be this year and we will have to hope improvements come in the off-season.

 

[Spike]

That has been somewhat fixed. At least improved where we aren't so one-dimensional on offense.

The defense has not been fixed. Looks like it won't be this year and we will have to hope improvements come in the off-season.

Both sides need some more big boys up front. D needs a few more studs across the board.

 

[Spike]

Where was Marcel Brooks?

 

[Limey Frog]

How much money did Dam Williams want? Evidence says it would have been worth it to pay him that much.

 

[Realtorfrog]

No one’s mentioning this but I sure with they would have reviewed to “catch” on the sideline in this drive… I still don’t think he had control but it wasn’t reviewed.

 

[MadFrog]

At least the offense scored 34. You have to be an idiot to think our defense could make a stop. There was 0% chance of that.

 

[Wexahu]

I genuinely believe that we simply don't have the athletes on the D side. Forget the scheme calls without the athletes it doesn't matter. Every game this year with the exception of LIU our defense has struggled to get a critical stop when needed.

Bingo.

Our depth chart on the front seven is the thinnest its been in maybe 20+ years, we just simply don't have sufficient talent there. Our "playmakers" are guys that would have trouble ever seeing the field if they played for, say, a decent SEC team.

 

[hometown frog]

Where was Marcel Brooks?

He was in quite a bit on Saturday. He just never really got home on 3rd down that I remember. (He was the hype man when others would make key stops.)

 

[Spike]

He was in quite a bit on Saturday. He just never really got home on 3rd down that I remember. (He was the hype man when others would make key stops.)

Thanks, guess I just didn't notice. Looked for him on the 3rd n longs. Seems like our blitzes were getting home earlier but by the 4th quarter not so much, not sure if that was an adjustment by Baylor or if the D was just gassed.

 

[fff91]

OUr D doesnt stoip anyone. The luicky fumble against Tech overshadowed that they had driven right back down the field to get into field goal range to win.

 

[Volare]

He was in quite a bit on Saturday. He just never really got home on 3rd down that I remember. (He was the hype man when others would make key stops.)

13 snaps according to PFF.
Insane.

 

[Spike]

While the D is not that great to begin with, they seem to run out of gas late. Several factors there. Is Kaz the stud we first thought?

 

[4 Oaks Frog]

“I wished we would’ve gone for it now on, second thought,” Dykes said. “I thought it was on our side of the 50, but maybe it wasn’t. I don’t know, it’s probably 50-50.

This is one of the most damming thing I have ever heard a coach say. Sonny’s situational awareness at that critical point in game was non-existent. As the head coach, Sonny should know exactly where the ball was on the field, particularly when deciding to punt or going for it.
Going for it or not isnt the point to me. (I personally think he should have.)
Not knowing exactly where the ball was placed at this critical point in the game is inexcusable. It confirms to me that Sonny is as clueless as he appears during a game…

 

[Spike]

“I wished we would’ve gone for it now on, second thought,” Dykes said. “I thought it was on our side of the 50, but maybe it wasn’t. I don’t know, it’s probably 50-50.

This is one of the most damming thing I have ever heard a coach say. Sonny’s situational awareness at that critical point in game was non-existent. As the head coach, Sonny should know exactly where the ball was on the field, particularly when deciding to punt or going for it.
Going for it or not isnt the point to me. (I personally think he should have.)
Not knowing exactly where the ball was placed at this critical point in the game is inexcusable. It confirms to me that Sonny is as clueless as he appears during a game…

Reminds me of the QB sneak on 4th n 2 v UH

 

[Spike]

In a pure vacuum I agree w/ the punt. However when you factor in the ineffectiveness of our D combined with the fact that they looked gassed in the 4th you have to throw traditional logic out the window.

 

[Mean Purple]

Bingo.

Our depth chart on the front seven is the thinnest its been in maybe 20+ years, we just simply don't have sufficient talent there. Our "playmakers" are guys that would have trouble ever seeing the field if they played for, say, a decent SEC team.

we are an offensive team now. D don't matter in the Hal Mumme land. You just have to outscore them ...